Monday, November 9, 2009

This year we plan to take our daughter to see a live performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. So far her only exposure to the Nutcracker has been a Barbie DVD and she's also listened to the music. We recently took some time to read the actual Nutcracker story together. Tchaikovsky's ballet is based on a story written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman called The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Our review copy features exquisite illustrations by Gail de Marcken. I had never read the story myself and was surprised by several parts of the plot. First of all, the girl's name in our book is Marie, not Clara. Also, I never realized that the mouse king has seven heads with seven crowns the size of thimbles. See image below:Hoffman's story is amazingly detailed, especially his descriptions of Toyland. I read aloud the lengthy story in two 15 minute sittings with my preschool daughter. She happily perused the vivid and rich illustrations by Gail de Marcken while listening to the descriptions in the text and especially enjoyed the Toyland filled with sugary treats and a Marzipan castle. She wasn't sure what to make of the seven-headed Mouse King or the poor Princess Pirlipat who was turned into an ugly doll. All those who enjoy the Nutcracker Ballet should read the actual story at least once in their lifetime. It's a superb holiday read!

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King illustrated by Gail De Marcken [written by by E.T. A. Hoffman]. Orchard Books (September 2009); 56 pages; ISBN 9780976865582; Book Source: Review copy provided for free by publisher (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)

"Every year, just when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa feels a tingling in his whiskers. Then he knows that the Christmas magic will soon be here." - The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jon J. Muth

Christmas is a magical time a year, with dancing, falling snow, smiling faces, sparkling lights and brisk temperatures causing frosty breaths. Even Santa Claus is not immune to the wonders of the season. He feels the magic in his whiskers long before his magical flight on Christmas Eve.

Bestselling author Lauren Thompson poetically describes Santa's preparations and the magic of his journey in her newest book, The Christmas Magic. There's so much to do and Santa, in his bunny slippers, gets to work by trimming his beard, feeding the reindeer, polishing the sleigh bells and checking the big book of children's names. Finally, the magical night arrives and Santa sets off flying up into the glorious, bluish, snow-filled sky.

Jon J. Muth brings out the minimalist in Santa Claus in his watercolor and pastel illustrations. Santa's sparse surroundings include only a small house and barn for his reindeer. Readers won't find elves, Mrs. Santa Claus or any of the typical North Pole hustle and bustle in this quiet, reflective book. Just Santa Claus alone with his reindeer and a cat. The book provides young readers an unusual, alternate glimpse into the life of Santa Claus. The simplicity of it all is striking and, well, downright magical.

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I've never read the actual Nutcracker before either, and I didn't realize many of the details you mentioned. I had no idea the mouse king had 7 heads either! But the illustrations look amazing. They both sound like great books!mommastaci33(at)yahoo(dot)com

Every day before quiet time I read to my daycare kids. I like to be able to read to them books pertaining to holidays that are approaching and I would love to add these to our collection. I think the older kids would really enjoy them.Thanks for the chance!!

It used to be a yearly tradition for us to go to the Nutcracker ballet. What a fun experience! I still love to listen to the music (year-round), but I have to admit that I've never read the original book. Something I should do...

My mom collects Nutcrackers so my kids are interested in the story. My 5 year old liked the Prima Princessa Nutcracker DVD and we have a higher level picture book, but I would love to see if these versions don't go "over their heads".

About Me

Brimful Curiosities is a mom blog/book blog featuring reviews and posts on children's books, music, educational products, toys and more. It's home to the weekly "Full to the Brim" Kid's Book Giveaway List. Occasionally it includes non-children related product and book reviews and personal postings.